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Charged multivesicular body protein 4B (CHMP4B) functions as a core component of the endosome sorting complex required for transport-III (ESCRT-III) machinery that facilitates diverse membrane remodeling and scission processes in eukaryotes. Mutations in the human CHMP4B gene underlie rare, inherited forms of early-onset lens opacities or cataract. Here we have characterized the lens phenotypes of mutant (knock-in) mice harboring a human cataract-associated mutation (p.D129V) in CHMP4B (Chmp4b-mutant) and conditional knockdown mice deficient in lens CHMP4B (Chmp4b-CKD). In situ hybridization localized Chmp4b transcripts to lens epithelial cells and elongating fiber cells at the lens equator. Heterozygous Chmp4b-mutant (D/V) mice were viable and fertile with lenses grossly similar to those of wild-type. However, homozygous Chmp4b-mutant (V/V) mice died by embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) with grossly abnormal eye and brain histology. Chmp4b-CKD mice displayed variable degrees of lens dysmorphology including lens ablation. Immuno-localization of aquaporin-0 (AQP0) revealed lens fiber cell degeneration in homozygous Chmp4b-mutant (V/V) mouse embryos and in embryonic and postnatal Chmp4b-CKD mice. DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) analysis revealed global cell death in homozygous Chmp4b-mutant (V/V) embryos, whereas, cell death was confined to the lens of Chmp4b-CKD mice. Immuno-localization of the monocyte/macrophage marker macrosialin (CD68) suggested that severe lens degeneration in Chmp4b-CKD mice resulted in an ocular immune cell response. Collectively, these mouse data suggest that (1) heterozygous, germ-line mutations in Chmp4b may not manifest as cataract, (2) homozygous, germ-line mutations in Chmp4b are embryonic lethal, and (3) conditional loss of Chmp4b results in arrest of lens growth and differentiation.

Transient-receptor-potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 3 (TRPM3) serves as a polymodal calcium sensor in diverse mammalian cell-types. Mutation of the human TRPM3 gene (TRPM3) has been linked with inherited forms of early-onset cataract with or without other eye abnormalities. Here we have characterized the ocular phenotypes of germline ‘knock-in’ mice that harbor a human cataract-associated isoleucine-to-methionine mutation (p.I65M) in TRPM3 (Trpm3-mutant) compared with germline ‘knock-out’ mice that functionally lack TRPM3 (Trpm3-null). Despite strong expression of Trpm3 in lens epithelial cells, neither heterozygous (Trpm3(+/−)) nor homozygous (Trpm3(−/−)) Trpm3-null mice developed cataract; however, the latter exhibited a mild impairment of lens growth. By contrast, homozygous Trpm3-M/M mutants developed severe, progressive, anterior pyramid-like cataract with microphthalmia, whereas, heterozygous Trpm3-I/M and hemizygous Trpm3-M/- mutants developed anterior pyramidal cataract with delayed onset and progression - consistent with a semi-dominant lens phenotype. Histochemical staining revealed abnormal accumulation of calcium phosphate-like deposits and collagen fibrils in Trpm3-mutant lenses and immunoblotting detected increased αII-spectrin cleavage products consistent with calpain hyper-activation. Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy of Trpm3-M/M mutant lenses revealed fiber cell membrane degeneration that was accompanied by accumulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin positive (α-SMA+ve) myofibroblast-like cells and macrosialin positive (CD68+ve) macrophage-like cells. Collectively, our mouse model data support an ocular disease association for TRPM3 in humans and suggest that (1) Trpm3 deficiency impaired lens growth but not lens transparency and (2) Trpm3 dysfunction resulted in progressive lens degeneration and calcification coupled with pro-fibrotic (α-SMA+ve) and immune (CD68+ve) cell responses.

Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) and one of its ligands, ephrin-A5 (EFNA5), have been associated with loss of eye lens transparency, or cataract, - an important cause of visual impairment. Here we show that mice functionally lacking EPHA2 (Epha2-null), EFNA5 (Efna5-null), or both receptor and ligand (Epha2/Efna5-null) consistently develop mostly transparent lenses with an internal refractive disturbance and a grossly disturbed cellular architecture. In situ hybridization localized Epha2 and Efna5 transcripts to lens epithelial cells and nascent fiber cells at the lens equator. In vivo labeling of Epha2-null lenses with a thymidine analog detected a significant decrease in lens epithelial cell proliferation within the germinative zone resulting in impaired early lens growth. Ex vivo imaging of Epha2-null, Efna5-null, and Epha2/Efna5-null lenses labelled in vivo with a membrane-targeted red fluorescent protein revealed misalignment of elongating fiber cells at the lens equator and loss of Y-suture pattern formation near the anterior and posterior poles of the lens. Immuno-fluorescent labeling of lens major intrinsic protein or aquaporin-0 (MIP/AQP0) showed that the precise, radial column patterning of hexagonal fiber cells throughout the cortex region was disrupted in Epha2-null, Efna5-null and Epha2/Efna5-null lenses. Collectively, these data suggest that Epha2 and Efna5 participate in the complex, global patterning of lens fiber cells that is necessary for maximal optical quality.

Genetic variations in ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) have been associated with inherited and age-related forms of cataract in humans. Here, we have characterized the eye lens phenotype and transcript profile of germline Epha2 knock-in mutant mice homozygous for either a missense variant associated with age-related cataract in humans (Epha2-Q722) or a novel insertion-deletion mutation (Epha2-indel722) that were both located within the tyrosine-kinase domain of EPHA2. Confocal imaging of ex vivo lenses from Epha2-indel722 mice on a fluorescent reporter background revealed misalignment of epithelial-to-fiber cell meridional-rows at the lens equator and severe disturbance of Y-suture formation at the lens poles, whereas Epha2-Q722 lenses displayed mild disturbance of posterior sutures. Immunofluorescent labeling showed that EPHA2 was localized to radial columns of hexagonal fiber cell membranes in Epha2-Q722 lenses, whereas Epha2-indel722 lenses displayed disorganized radial cell columns and cytoplasmic retention of EPHA2. Immunoprecipitation/blotting studies indicated that EPHA2 formed strong complexes with Src kinase and was mostly serine phosphorylated in the lens. RNA sequencing analysis revealed differential expression of several cytoskeleton-associated genes in Epha2-mutant and Epha2-null lenses including shared downregulation of Lgsn and Clic5. Collectively, our data suggest that mutations within the tyrosine-kinase domain of EPHA2 result in lens cell patterning defects and dysregulated expression of several cytoskeleton-associated proteins.

The crystalline lens plays an important role in the refractive vision of vertebrates by facilitating variable fine focusing of light onto the retina. Loss of lens transparency, or cataract, is a frequently acquired cause of visual impairment in adults and may also present during childhood. Genetic studies have identified mutations in over 30 causative genes for congenital or other early-onset forms of cataract as well as several gene variants associated with age-related cataract. However, the pathogenic mechanisms resulting from genetic determinants of cataract are only just beginning to be understood. Here, we briefly summarize current concepts pointing to differences in the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital and age-related forms of cataract.

Major intrinsic protein or aquaporin-0 (MIP/AQP0) functions as a water channel and a cell-junction molecule in the vertebrate eye lens. Loss of MIP function in the lens leads to degraded optical quality and cataract formation by pathogenic mechanisms that are unclear. Here we have used microarray-hybridization analysis to detect lens transcriptome changes during cataract formation in mice that are functionally null for MIP (Mip−/−). In newborn Mip−/− lenses (P1) 11 genes were up-regulated and 18 were down-regulated (>2-fold, p=6-fold) in the Mip−/− lens at P1 included those coding for a mitochondrial translocase (Timmdc1), a matrix metallopeptidase (Mmp2), a Rho GTPase-interacting protein (Ubxn11) and a transcription factor (Twist2). Apart from Mip, the most down-regulated genes (>4-fold) in the Mip−/− lens at P1 included those coding for a proteasome sub-unit (Psmd8), a ribonuclease (Pop4), and a heat-shock protein (Hspb1). Lens fiber cell degeneration in the Mip−/− lens was associated with increased numbers of TUNEL-positive cell nuclei and dramatically elevated levels of calpain-mediated proteolysis of αII-spectrin. However red-ox status, measured by glutathione and free-radical levels, was similar to that of wild-type. These data suggest that while relatively few genes (~1.5% of the transcriptome) were differentially regulated >2-fold in the Mip−/− lens, calpain hyper-activation acts as a terminal pathogenic event during lens fiber cell death and cataract formation.

The fusion of cells to generate syncytial tissues is a crucial event in the development of many organisms. In the lens of the vertebrate eye, proteins and other macromolecules diffuse from cell to cell via the large molecule diffusion pathway (LMDP). We used the tamoxifen-induced expression of GFP to investigate the nature and role of the LMDP in living, intact lenses. Our data indicate that the LMPD preferentially connects cells lying within a stratum of the lens cortex and that formation of the LMPD depends on the expression of Lim2, a claudin-like molecule. The conduits for intercellular protein exchange are most likely regions of partial cellular fusion, which are commonly observed in wild-type lenses but rare or absent in Lim2-deficient lenses. The observation that lens tissue constitutes a stratified syncytium has implications for the transparency, refractive function and pathophysiology of the tissue.

Maintenance of proper biomechanics of the eye lens is important for its structural integrity and for the process of accommodation to focus near and far objects. Several studies have shown that specialized cytoskeletal systems such as the beaded filament (BF) and spectrin-actin networks contribute to mammalian lens biomechanics; mutations or deletion in these proteins alters lens biomechanics. Aquaporin 0 (AQP0), which constitutes ∼45% of the total membrane proteins of lens fiber cells, has been shown to function as a water channel and a structural cell-to-cell adhesion (CTCA) protein. Our recent exvivo study on AQP0 knockout (AQP0 KO) mouse lenses showed the CTCA function of AQP0 could be crucial for establishing the refractive index gradient. However, biomechanical studies on the role of AQP0 are lacking. The present investigation used wild type (WT), AQP5 KO (AQP5(-/-)), AQP0 KO (heterozygous KO: AQP0(+/-); homozygous KO: AQP0(-/-); all in C57BL/6J) and WT-FVB/N mouse lenses to learn more about the role of fiber cell AQPs in lens biomechanics. Electron microscopic images exhibited decreases in lens fiber cell compaction and increases in extracellular space due to deletion of even one allele of AQP0. Biomechanical assay revealed that loss of one or both alleles of AQP0 caused a significant reduction in the compressive load-bearing capacity of the lenses compared to WT lenses. Conversely, loss of AQP5 did not alter the lens load-bearing ability. Compressive load-bearing at the suture area of AQP0(+/-) lenses showed easy separation while WT lens suture remained intact. These data from KO mouse lenses in conjunction with previous studies on lens-specific BF proteins (CP49 and filensin) suggest that AQP0 and BF proteins could act co-operatively in establishing normal lens biomechanics. We hypothesize that AQP0, with its prolific expression at the fiber cell membrane, could provide anchorage for cytoskeletal structures like BFs and together they help to confer fiber cell shape, architecture and integrity. To our knowledge, this is the first report identifying the involvement of an aquaporin in lens biomechanics. Since accommodation is required in human lenses for proper focusing, alteration in the adhesion and/or water channel functions of AQP0 could contribute to presbyopia.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a clinically important and genetically heterogeneous cause of progressive vision loss as a result of retinal ganglion cell death. Here we have utilized trio-based, whole-exome sequencing to identify the genetic defect underlying an autosomal dominant form of adult-onset POAG segregating in an African-American family. Exome sequencing identified a novel missense variant (c.418C>T, p.Arg140Trp) in exon-5 of the gene coding for epidermal growth factor (EGF) containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) that co-segregated with disease in the family. Linkage and haplotype analyses with microsatellite markers indicated that the disease interval overlapped a known POAG locus (GLC1H) on chromosome 2p. The p.Arg140Trp substitution was predicted in silico to have damaging effects on protein function and transient expression studies in cultured cells revealed that the Trp140-mutant protein exhibited increased intracellular accumulation compared with wild-type EFEMP1. In situ hybridization of the mouse eye with oligonucleotide probes detected the highest levels of EFEMP1 transcripts in the ciliary body, cornea, inner nuclear layer of the retina, and the optic nerve head. The recent finding that a common variant near EFEMP1 was associated with optic nerve-head morphology supports the possibility that the EFEMP1 variant identified in this POAG family may be pathogenic.

In order to accomplish its function of transmitting and focusing light, the crystalline lens of the vertebrate eye has evolved a unique cellular structure and protein complement. These distinct adaptations have provided a rich source of scientific discovery ranging from biochemistry and genetics to optics and physics. In addition, because of these adaptations, lens cells persist for the lifetime of an organism, providing an excellent model of the aging process. The chapters dealing with the lens will demonstrate how the different aspects of lens biology and biochemistry combine in this singular refractive organ to accomplish its critical role in the visual system.

Purpose Lens fiber cell membranes contain aquaporin-0 (AQP0), which constitutes approximately 50% of the total fiber cell membrane proteins and has a dual function as a water channel protein and an adhesion molecule. Fiber cell membranes also develop an elaborate interlocking system that is required for maintaining structural order, stability, and lens transparency. Herein, we used an AQP0-deficient mouse model to investigate an unconventional adhesion role of AQP0 in maintaining a normal structure of lens interlocking protrusions. Methods The loss of AQP0 in AQP0(-/-) lens fibers was verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Changes in membrane surface structures of wild-type and AQP0(-/-) lenses at age 3 to 12 weeks were examined with scanning electron microscopy. Preferential distribution of AQP0 in wild-type fiber cell membranes was analyzed with immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling using freeze-fracturing transmission electron microscopy. Results Interlocking protrusions in young differentiating fiber cells developed normally but showed minor abnormalities at approximately 50 μm deep in the absence of AQP0 in all ages studied. Strikingly, protrusions in maturing fiber cells specifically underwent uncontrolled elongation, deformation, and fragmentation, while cells still retained their overall shape. Later in the process, these changes eventually resulted in fiber cell separation, breakdown, and cataract formation in the lens core. Immunolabeling at the light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy levels demonstrated that AQP0 was particularly enriched in interlocking protrusions in wild-type lenses. Conclusions This study suggests that AQP0 exerts its primary adhesion or suppression role specifically to maintain the normal structure of interlocking protrusions that is critical to the integrity and transparency of the lens.

Human connexin46 (hCx46) forms gap junctional channels interconnecting lens fiber cells and appears to be critical for normal lens function, because hCx46 mutations have been linked to congenital cataracts. We studied two hCx46 mutants, N63S, a missense mutation in the first extracellular domain, and fs380, a frame-shift mutation that shifts the translational reading frame at amino acid residue 380. We expressed wild-type Cx46 and the two mutants in Xenopus oocytes. Production of the expressed proteins was verified by SDS-PAGE after metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine or by immunoblotting. Dual two-microelectrode voltage-clamp studies showed that hCx46 formed both gap junctional channels in paired Xenopus oocytes and hemi-gap junctional channels in single oocytes. In contrast, neither of the two cataract-associated hCx46 mutants could form intercellular channels in paired Xenopus oocytes. The hCx46 mutants were also impaired in their ability to form hemi-gap-junctional channels. When N63S or fs380 was coexpressed with wild-type connexins, both mutations acted like “loss of function” rather than “dominant negative” mutations, because they did not affect the gap junctional conductance induced by either wild-type hCx46 or wild-type hCx50.

MIP has been hypothesized to be a gap junction protein, a membrane ion channel, a membrane water channel and a facilitator of glycerol transport and metabolism. These possible roles have been indirectly suggested by the localization of MIP in lens gap junctional plaques and the properties of MIP when reconstituted into artificial membranes or exogenously expressed in oocytes. We have examined lens fiber cells to see if these functions are present and whether they are affected by a mutation of MIP found in CatFr mouse lens. Of these five hypothesized functions, only one, the role of water channel, appears to be true of fiber cells in situ. Based on the rate of volume change of vesicles placed in a hypertonic solution, fiber cell membrane lipids have a low water permeability (pH2O) on the order of 1 micron/sec whereas normal fiber cell membrane pH2O was 17 micron/sec frog, 32 micron/sec rabbit and 43 micron/sec mouse. CatFr mouse lens fiber cell pH2O was reduced by 13 micron/sec for heterozygous and 30 micron/sec for homozygous mutants when compared to wild type. Lastly, when expressed in oocytes, the pH2O conferred by MIP is not sensitive to Hg2+ whereas that of CHIP28 (AQP1) is blocked by Hg2+. The fiber cell membrane pH2O was also not sensitive to Hg2+ whereas lens epithelial cell pH2O (136 micron/sec in rabbit) was blocked by Hg2+. With regard to the other hypothesized roles, fiber cell membrane or lipid vesicles had a glycerol permeability on the order of 1 nm/sec, an order of magnitude less than that conferred by MIP when expressed in oocytes. Impedance studies were employed to determine gap junctional coupling and fiber cell membrane conductance in wild-type and heterozygous CatFr mouse lenses. There was no detectable difference in either coupling or conductance between the wild-type and the mutant lenses.

Mutations in gap junctional channels have been linked to certain forms of inherited congenital cataract (D. Mackay, A. Ionides, V. Berry, A. Moore, S. Bhattacharya, and A. Shiels. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 60: 1474-1478, 1997; A. Shiels, D. Mackay, A. Ionides, V. Berry, A. Moore, and S. Bhattacharya. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 62: 526-532, 1998). We used the Xenopus oocyte pair system to investigate the functional properties of a missense mutation in the human connexin 50 gene (P88S) associated with zonular pulverulent cataract. The associated phenotype for the mutation is transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. Xenopus oocytes injected with wild-type connexin 50 cRNA developed gap junctional conductances of approximately 5 microS 4-7 h after pairing. In contrast, the P88S mutant connexin failed to form functional gap junctional channels when paired homotypically. Moreover, the P88S mutant functioned in a dominant negative manner as an inhibitor of human connexin 50 gap junctional channels when coinjected with wild-type connexin 50 cRNA. Cells injected with 1:5 and 1:11 ratios of P88S mutant to wild-type cRNA exhibited gap junctional coupling of approximately 8% and 39% of wild-type coupling, respectively. Based on these findings, we conclude that only one P88S mutant subunit is necessary per gap junctional channel to abolish channel function.

Immunocytochemistry fails to detect expression of the lens major intrinsic protein (MIP) in 16-day embryos of the congenitally cataractous mouse, CAT, which inherits a dominant mutation assigned to the distal end of mouse chromosome 10. In situ hybridisation, however, detects MIP mRNA in CAT embryo lens fibre cells at a level approximating 60% of that detected in embryonic lens fibres of the non-cataractous MF1 mouse. Northern blot hybridisation reveals that the most abundant MIP mRNA transcript in the adult CAT lens is truncated when compared to that in the adult MF1 lens. The results are consistent with a cataractogenic mutation in the mouse gene for MIP (Mip) which has also been mapped to the distal end of mouse chromosome 10.

Lens opacities, or cataract(s), may be inherited as a classic Mendelian disorder usually with early-onset or, more commonly, acquired with age as a multi-factorial or complex trait. Many genetic forms of cataract have been described in mice and other animal models. Considerable progress has been made in mapping and identifying the genes and mutations responsible for inherited forms of cataract, and genetic determinants of age-related cataract are beginning to be discovered. To provide a convenient and accurate summary of current information focused on the increasing genetic complexity of Mendelian and age-related cataract we have created an online chromosome map and reference database for cataract in humans and mice (Cat-Map).

Cloned cDNAs coding for eye-lens fibre cell-membrane proteins, MIP and MP70, were used to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in genomic DNA from inbred mice with autosomally inherited cataracts. Whereas distinct RFLPs associated with the MIP gene were identified in the Cba Cat and Nct mutants, no such genetic variation was associated with the MP70 gene. RFLPs associated with the mouse MIP gene may provide informative DNA markers in gene linkage studies of murine hereditary cataracts.

Cataracts are a clinically diverse and genetically heterogeneous disorder of the crystalline lens and a leading cause of visual impairment. Here we report linkage of autosomal dominant "progressive childhood posterior subcapsular" cataracts segregating in a white family to short tandem repeat (STR) markers D20S847 (LOD score [Z] 5.50 at recombination fraction [theta] 0.0) and D20S195 (Z=3.65 at theta =0.0) on 20q, and identify a refined disease interval (rs2057262-(3.8 Mb)-rs1291139) by use of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Mutation profiling of positional-candidate genes detected a heterozygous transversion (c.386A--T) in exon 3 of the gene for chromatin modifying protein-4B (CHMP4B) that was predicted to result in the nonconservative substitution of a valine residue for a phylogenetically conserved aspartic acid residue at codon 129 (p.D129V). In addition, we have detected a heterozygous transition (c.481G--A) in exon 3 of CHMP4B cosegregating with autosomal dominant posterior polar cataracts in a Japanese family that was predicted to result in the missense substitution of lysine for a conserved glutamic acid residue at codon 161 (p.E161K). Transfection studies of cultured cells revealed that a truncated form of recombinant D129V-CHMP4B had a different subcellular distribution than wild type and an increased capacity to inhibit release of virus-like particles from the cell surface, consistent with deleterious gain-of-function effects. These data provide the first evidence that CHMP4B, which encodes a key component of the endosome sorting complex required for the transport-III (ESCRT-III) system of mammalian cells, plays a vital role in the maintenance of lens transparency.

PURPOSE. To characterize the optical properties of lenses from mice deficient in the gene for lens intrinsic membrane protein-2 (Lim2), which encodes the second most abundant integral protein (Lim2) of lens fiber cell plasma membranes. METHODS. Lim2-deficient mice were derived from a library of gene-trap embryo stem cells. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of tail genomic DNA and resequencing. Lim2 expression was analyzed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and Northern blotting of lens total RNA, immunoblotting of lens membrane extracts, and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy of lens sections. Lens morphology was assessed by light microscopy, and lens refractive properties were quantified with a laser imaging system. RESULTS. Genomic PCR amplification and resequencing indicated that the gene-trap vector had disrupted intron 3 of Lim2, effectively resulting in a null allele (Lim2 Gt ), as verified by RT-PCR amplification and sequencing, RNA blotting, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Heterozygous Lim2 gene-trap lenses (Lim2 Gt/+ ) were morphologically indistinguishable from wild type, whereas homozygous Lim2 gene-trap lenses (Lim2 Gt/Gt ) consistently developed faint, central pulverulent cataracts. Laser imaging analysis indicated that rays passing through the peripheral cortex of the Lim2 Gt/Gt lens were more strongly refracted than normal, suggesting that the internal gradient refractive index of the lens was disturbed. CONCLUSIONS. These data show that heterozygous loss of Lim2 is insufficient to trigger cataracts in mice, and they provide the first direct evidence that Lim2 plays a critical role in establishing the correct internal refractive properties of the crystalline lens.

PURPOSE. To examine Ca 2+ - and pH-mediated regulation of water permeability of endogenously expressed aquaporin (AQP)0 in lens fiber cells and AQP1 in lens epithelial cells. METHODS. Large, right-side-out membrane vesicles were formed from freshly isolated groups of lens fiber cells. Osmotic shrinking or swelling of these vesicles was used to determine the water permeability of endogenously expressed AQP0. The results were compared with those in similar studies of freshly isolated lens epithelial cells, which endogenously expressed AQP1, and of oocytes, which exogenously expressed AQP0. RESULTS. In the lens or in oocytes, decreasing external pH from 7.5 to 6.5 caused a two- to fourfold increase in the water permeability of mammalian AQP0. Several lines of evidence suggest that this effect is mediated by the binding of H + to a histidine in the first extracellular loop (His40). Lens AQP1 lacks His40 and also lacks pH sensitivity. Increasing Ca 2+ caused a two- to fourfold increase in the water permeability of endogenous AQP0. The Ca 2+ effect on mouse AQP0 was a 2.5-fold increase in the lens, whereas in oocytes, it was a 4-fold decrease. In either environment, the effect was mediated through calmodulin, most likely through its binding to the proximal domain of the C terminus. Lens AQP1 does not have a similar domain and does not have calcium sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS. In either the lens or oocytes, Ca 2+ and H + appear to affect the same mechanism, probably either the open probability of the water channel, or open-channel permeability. The difference between calcium's effects in lens versus oocytes was remarkable and is not understood. However, in the lens, Ca 2+ and H + are both increased in inner fiber cells, and so in the physiologically relevant environment, both may act to increase the water permeability of AQP0.

In this study we used correlative light, scanning, and transmission (freeze-etch) electron microscopy to characterize lens structure in normal mice and compare it with that in mice deficient in the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of fiber cells. Grossly, wild-type lenses were transparent and had typical Y sutures at all of the ages examined. These lenses had fibers of uniform shape (hexagonal in cross section) arranged in ordered concentric growth shells and radial cell columns. In addition, these fibers had normal opposite end curvature and lateral interdigitations regularly arrayed along their length. Ultrastructural evaluation of these fibers revealed anterior and posterior end segments characterized by square array membrane on low-amplitude wavy fiber membrane. Approximately 13% of the equatorial or mid segments of these same fibers were specialized as gap junctions (GJs). In contrast, heterozygote lenses, while initially transparent at birth, were translucent by 3 weeks of age, except for a peripheral transparent region that contained fibers in the early stages of elongation. This degradation in clarity was correlated with abnormal fiber structure. Specifically, although the mid segment of these fibers was essentially normal, their end segments lacked normal opposite end curvature, were larger than normal, and had a distinct non-hexagonal shape. As a result, these fibers failed to form typical Y sutures. Furthermore, the nuclear fibers of heterozygote lenses were even larger and lacked any semblance of an ordered packing arrangement. Grossly, homozygote lenses were opaque at all ages examined, except for a peripheral transparent region that contained fibers in the early stages of elongation. All fibers from homozygote lenses lacked opposite end curvature, and thus failed to form any sutures. Also, these fibers were essentially devoid of interlocking devices, and only 7% of their mid segment was specialized as GJs. The results of this study suggest that MIP has essential roles in the establishment and maintenance of uniform fiber structure, and the organization of fibers, and as such is essential for lens function. Anat Rec Part A 273A:714–730, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Eph receptors constitute the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases.1 The extracellular domains of Eph receptors interact with membrane-bound ligands, ephrins, located on the surfaces of adjacent cells. Unlike other receptor tyrosine kinases, Eph receptors function primarily in the regulation of cell shape, cell-substrate adhesion, and migration, though in certain contexts Eph receptors can also influence proliferation.2 Eph receptors take their name from the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma cell line from which the first member of the family, EPHA1, was cloned.3 Eph receptors are divided into A and B subclasses.4 In mammals, nine Epha (Epha1–8 and Epha10) and five Ephb (Ephb1–4 and Ephb6) receptors are known. Ephrin ligands are also classified into two groups: ephrin-a ligands (Efna1–5 in mammals) are GPI-linked proteins, whereas ephrin-b ligands (Efnb1–3) are transmembrane proteins. Typically, EphA receptors bind to ephrin-A ligands and EphB receptors bind to ephrin-B ligands, although limited cross-talk between class members has been reported.5 Eph-ephrin binding is unusual in that it can stimulate bidirectional signaling: forward signaling into the receptor-expressing cell and reverse signaling into the ligand-expressing cell.2 As a group, Eph receptors are expressed most prominently during development, when they play critical roles in such processes as limb formation and nervous system patterning. Most Eph receptors are expressed at low levels in adult tissues. A notable exception to this is Epha2 (originally called Eck, for epithelial cell kinase), which was cloned from HeLa cells6 and was shown to be enriched in adult tissues with high epithelial content such as lung, digestive tract, and skin.7 The biology of Epha2 has been studied intensively because the receptor is overexpressed in many human cancers.8–10 Recent studies have identified Epha2 as a surprisingly abundant plasma membrane component in cells of the ocular lens.11 The precise role of Epha2 in the lens is unknown, but mutations in EPHA2 have been shown to underlie inherited forms of cataract in humans.12–14 Moreover, common variants in EPHA2 have been associated with the much more prevalent age-related form of cataract.12,15,16 To gain insights into the role of Epha2 in the lens, we analyzed the lens phenotype of Epha2-null mice. Our data suggest that Epha2 is not required for lens transparency but does play a significant role in cell guidance and refractive organization of the lens.

Expression of the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of eye-lens fibre cell membranes was compared in normal (DBA), cataractous (CAT, LOP, NCT) and chimaeric (CBA-LOP) mice at different stages of development using immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting techniques. MIP of apparent molecular mass 26 kDa was detected in extracts of adult DBA, LOP and CBA-LOP lenses, but only low molecular mass (less than 26 kDa) immunoreactive proteins were detected in similar extracts from adult CAT and NCT lenses. The corresponding MIP distribution patterns confirmed the highly organised fibre-cell histology in embryonic DBA and adult CBA-LOP lenses and also highlighted the severe fibre-cell degeneration in the LOP lens. In contrast, however, no immunoreactive MIP was detected in situ in embryonic CAT and NCT lenses. These results suggest that a structural alteration of MIP occurs during embryonic lens development in the cataractous CAT (dominant) and NCT (recessive) mutant mice.

Carbonic anhydrase III (CA III) was identified in the products of rat soleus muscle RNA translation in vitro by both a radioimmunoassay and a specific immunoprecipitation technique followed by SDS--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the precipitated antigen. The primary translation product has the same Mr-value as the native isoenzyme. CA III mRNA was found to represent approximately 0.55% of the total mRNA present in rat soleus muscle.

Summary Cultured mammalian cells were transfected with a recombinant human H4 histone gene. S1 nuclease mapping of cellular RNAs from transfected cells revealed: (i) correct initiation of transcription at the cap site, with some transcripts originating from other sites in the 5′ flanking region of this H4 gene; (ii) cis-linkage of an SV-40 transcriptional enhancer element upstream of the H4 5′-flanking region resulted in about a 50-fold increase in the level of correctly initiated H4 mRNA and (iii) in a heterologous murine system stability of human H4 mRNAs was apparently sensitive to inhibition of DNA-synthesis by hydroxyurea. Our results suggest that certain sequences required for the initiation of a human H4 histone gene transcript reside within the 210 nucleotides immediately upstream from the cap site and that the level of expression is influenced by the introduction of an enhancer element.

Major intrinsic protein (MIP) is a functional water-channel (AQP0) that also plays a key role in establishing lens fiber cell architecture. Genetic variants of MIP have been associated with inherited and age-related forms of cataract; however, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. Here we have used lens transcriptome profiling by microarray-hybridization and qPCR to identify pathogenic changes during cataract development in Mip-mutant (Lop/+) mice. In postnatal Lop/+ lenses (P7) 99 genes were up-regulated and 75 were down-regulated (>2-fold, p=4-fold) in the Lop/+ lens included Chac1 > Ddit3 > Atf3 > Trib3 > Xbp1 and the most down-regulated genes (>5-fold) included two anti-oxidant genes, Hspb1 and Hmox1. Lop/+ lenses were further characterized by abundant TUNEL-positive nuclei within central degenerating fiber cells, glutathione depletion, free-radical overproduction, and calpain hyper-activation. These data suggest that Lop/+ lenses undergo proteotoxic ER-stress induced cell-death resulting from prolonged activation of the Eif2ak3/Perk-Atf4-Ddit3-Chac1 branch of the UPR coupled with severe oxidative-stress.

Carbamoyl phosphate has been shown to inhibit carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozymes CA I, CA II and CA III. This physiologically important molecule is the most potent, naturally occurring inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase yet found. It is also unique, among carbonic anhydrase inhibitors discovered hitherto, in that it inhibits the 3 isozymes with equal effect, despite their strikingly different properties. The results imply the participation of carbonic anhydrase in the regulation of substrate availability for the urea cycle.

Using radioimmunoassay, the concentration of carbonic anhydrase III (CA III) in the livers of adult male rats was found to be approximately 30 times greater than that observed in mature females. Castration of male rats led to a marked reduction in liver CA III concentrations that could be partially restored to control levels by testosterone replacement. Administration of testosterone to ovariectomized female rats induced about a 5-fold increase in liver CA III concentration. Immunoprecipitational analysis of the products of liver mRNA translation in vitro with antiserum specific for CA III showed that hormonal control of the levels of CA III in rat liver is mediated by changes in the amount of translatable CA III mRNA. Marked changes in liver CA III concentrations were also observed in developing and aging male rats. Different control mechanisms appear to operate in mouse and man.

Using radioimmunoassay, the concentration of carbonic anhydrase III in the livers of adult male rats was found to be approx. 30-times greater than that observed in mature females. Castration of male rats led to a marked reduction in liver carbonic anhydrase III concentrations which could be partially restored to control levels by testosterone replacement. Administration of testosterone to ovariectomised female rats induced about a 5-fold increase in liver carbonic anhydrase III concentration. Immunoprecipitation analysis of the products of liver mRNA translation in vitro with antiserum specific for carbonic anhydrase III showed that hormonal control of the levels of carbonic anhydrase III in liver is mediated by changes in the amount of translatable carbonic anhydrase III mRNA. Marked changes in liver carbonic anhydrase III concentrations were also observed in developing and ageing male rats.

The concentration of carbonic anhydrase IlI (CAIII) in male rat liver was found to be 30 times greater than that in the female. Castration of male rats led to marked reduction in liver CAIII concentrations which could be partially restored to control levels by testosterone replacement. Marked developmental and senescence changes in liver CAIII were also observed in male rats.

Aquaporin-0 (AQP0), a water transport channel protein, is the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of lens fiber cell plasma membranes. Mice deficient in the gene for AQP0 ( Aqp0, Mip) were generated from a library of gene trap embryo stem cells. Sequence analysis showed that the gene trap vector had inserted into the first exon of Aqp0, causing a null mutation as verified by RNA blotting and immunochemistry. At 3 wk of age (postnatal day 21), lenses from null mice ( Aqp0−/−) contained polymorphic opacities, whereas lenses from heterozygous mice ( Aqp0+/−) were transparent and did not develop frank opacities until ∼24 wk of age. Osmotic water permeability values for Aqp0+/−and Aqp0−/−lenses were reduced to ∼46% and ∼20% of wild-type values, respectively, and the focusing power of Aqp0+/−lenses was significantly lower than that of wild type. These findings show that heterozygous loss of AQP0 is sufficient to trigger cataractogenesis in mice and suggest that this MIP is required for optimal focusing of the crystalline lens.

We examined the structural and functional properties of a human H3 histone gene promoter. The complete nucleotide sequence of an H3 structural gene and 515 nucleotides of 5′ and 100 nucleotides of 3′ flanking sequences were determined. The upstream region of this cell cycle dependent H3 histone gene, designated pST519, contains consensus sequences typical of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II. To address promoter function directly, we determined the capability of the 5′ flanking sequences to direct the transcription of two genes which are not functionally or structurally related. Fusion genes were constructed using the 5′ flanking sequences of this human H3 histone gene and either human β-globin or bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) coding sequences. Both of these fusion genes were expressed when transfected into HeLa cells. Under control of the pST519 histone gene promoter, a β-globin mRNA transcript was initiated at the appropriate H3 histone cap site, and this same H3 histone promoter supported expression of a functional CAT protein. The SV40 72 base pair (bp) enhancer, inserted upstream from the histone promoter in both fusion constructs, increased levels of β-globin and CAT expression. Expression of the pST519 H3 histone gene in COS cells in the absence of the SV40 72-bp enhancer confirmed that the sequences required for promoting transcription reside within the 750-bp 5′ flanking sequences and that the exogenous enhancer facilitates, but is not a prerequisite for, transcription. Enhancer-facilitated expression of a cell cycle dependent human H4 histone gene was also observed following transfection into mouse L cells and indicates that the regulatory sequences of human histone genes and transcription factors of mouse cells are compatible.

Aquaporin-0 (AQP0) is the major intrinsic protein of lens fiber cells and the founder member of the water channel gene family. Here we show that disruption of the AQP0 gene by an early transposon (ETn) element results in expression of a chimeric protein, comprised of approximately 75% AQP0 and approximately 25% ETn long terminal repeat (LTR) sequence, in the cataract Fraser (CatFr) mouse lens. Immunoblot analysis showed that mutant AQP0-LTR was similar in mass to wild-type AQP0. However, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that AQP0-LTR was localized to intracellular membranes rather than to plasma membranes of lens fiber cells. Heterozygous CatFr lenses were similar in size to wild-type but displayed abnormal regions of translucence and light scattering. Scanning electron microscopy further revealed that mature fiber cells within the core of the heterozygous CatFr lens failed to stratify into uniform, concentric growth shells, suggesting that the AQP0 water channel facilitates the development of the unique cellular architecture of the crystalline lens.